Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing during a protest against a new federal immigration detention center run by the private prison company Geo Group, which he opposes due to building permit concerns and broader issues of immigrant treatment. His arrest—widely condemned by civil rights advocates—occurred despite his return to public property, and is seen by supporters as a political targeting amid his campaign for New Jersey governor.
Category: NEWS
Posted inBaltimore Events
Baltimore Together update highlights equity, apprenticeships and industry growth plans
During a fireside chat at the Baltimore Together spring update, Baltimore Development Corp. President Colin Tarbert and Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. outlined a shared vision for inclusive economic growth. The two leaders emphasized that equity isn’t just a social good—it’s a smart, strategic driver of long-term prosperity.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott hosts town hall to address budget concerns
At a budget town hall, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) presented the city’s $4.6 billion FY26 budget, addressing an $85 million deficit without cutting services, while warning of looming federal funding cuts. Residents engaged in small-group discussions with city officials, voicing concerns on issues from youth job access to water quality, as the budget advances toward council approval by June 26.
Posted inNational News
A woman who called a Black child a slur has raised a backlash but also thousands of dollars
A viral video of a Minnesota woman using a racial slur against a Black child sparked national outrage and over $700,000 in donations for her relocation, reigniting debates over racism, accountability, and the blurred lines between cancel culture and consequence culture.
Posted inNational News
Civil Rights Act of 1964 goes back on trial May 12
Southern Education Foundation (SEF) President Raymond Pierce speaks out ahead of SEF’s May 12 federal court defense of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, challenging efforts by the current administration to conflate legally mandated desegregation programs with inclusion, equity, and diversity (IED) initiatives. At stake is the future of the Equity Assistance Center-South, a congressionally authorized civil rights center designed to dismantle racial segregation in public education—not an IED program—operated under SEF’s leadership.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Robert Prevost, first American pope in history of the Catholic Church, will take the name Leo XIV
By Nicole Winfield Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Prevost, a 69 member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV. He appeared on the loggia […]
Posted inHealth
Adaptability and advocacy: The vital role of mobile nurses
Travel and strike nurses play a critical role in maintaining patient care during staffing shortages and labor disputes. With adaptability, compassion, and cultural competence, they step into unfamiliar environments to deliver expert care. Beyond the misconceptions about pay, these nurses are driven by a calling to serve, support safe staffing, and advocate for patient trust and quality outcomes.
Posted inHealth
Virtual care, real impact: How technology is changing patient-nurse relationships
AI and telemedicine are revolutionizing healthcare by enhancing access, improving decision-making, and expanding the roles of nurses beyond traditional clinical settings. Osanmoh notes that telepsychiatry enables consistent, stigma-free support, especially for marginalized populations.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. gets ‘F’ for air quality in 2025 State of the Air Report
Washington, D.C., received an “F” in the 2025 State of the Air Report, reflecting a recent decline in air quality and an uptick in unhealthy air days. While city officials noted that rare events like the 2023 Canadian wildfires impacted the results, health experts continue to express concern about the long-term effects of air pollution, particularly on vulnerable communities.
Posted inReligion
Rev. Willie E. Ray: A life of service remembered
By Marnita ColemanSpecial to the AFRO On Easter morning, April 20, the Reverend William Edward Ray, beloved founder of Save Another Youth, Inc. and the Baltimore Coalition to Stop the Killing, took his final flight and entered eternal rest. After more than 50 years of tireless ministry, fierce advocacy, and unwavering love for his community, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Three former Memphis officers acquitted in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols
Three former Memphis police officers were acquitted on May 7 of all state charges, including second-degree murder, in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols, a case that sparked national outrage and calls for police reform. Despite the verdict, the officers still face sentencing on federal charges, while civil rights advocates condemned the acquittals as a miscarriage of justice.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 5 residents invited to help shape the future of RFK Stadium site at May 14 community meeting
By Councilman Zackary Parker (D-Ward 5) Dear Ward 5 neighbors, There’s been a lot of buzz this week around a proposal for the future of the RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on May 5 to announce a deal to bring the Commanders back […]